SINGAPORE - The annual debate on the Budget Statement starts in Parliament just after noon today, and about 60 MPs are expected to speak in the first three days.
A key topic will be the SkillsFuture programme to help Singaporeans keep developing their skills to advance their careers and, in turn, Singapore's competitive edge.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will address and respond to their comments and concerns in remarks later this week.
After that, Parliament will move on to what is termed the Committee of Supply to scrutinise the spending plans of each of the 15 ministries and the Prime Minister's Office. That debate will be on-going until Friday next week.
Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), as chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Finance and Trade and Industry, kick-starts the debate on the Budget statement today.
But just before he takes to the floor, there is a single question from Mr Zainal Sapari (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) which has been tabled for answer.
He has asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources why the National Environment Agency is ending the recruitment of daily-rated workers and if they can be retained so as to offer low-wage workers more stable and secure jobs.
